The Importance of Lyrics

It may not take a genius to have figured out that music has changed and evolved from the rhythmic sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, to the house music and drum and base beats from the likes of David Guetta, Avicii and Sebastian Ingrosso. However, what does require thought is, apart from the use of different instruments, what is the real difference between then and now? The lyrics.

Nowadays songs pay less attention to the lyrics. Generally speaking, many songs (and indeed some genres) remain faithful to the art of songwriting, whilst mainstream genres such as Drum & Bass, and House have become less lyrically centralised in their production.

In the 1960s and 70’s, when the likes of The Beatles were prominent on the charts, lyrics were essential. There ability to write songs, tapped into a generation who enjoyed sing along. But compared to now, where the likes of Chase and Status and Sebastian Ingrosso, it looks like the bass line itself is more important than the words that acompany it. if any at all.

It is a sad realisation for many to have to come to. However we have to remember that it is our doing. A genre is only mainstream if made so by the music consumer – us. Therefore can only be altered back by us.

Picture source : ultimateclassicrock.com / born to run lyrics by Bruce Springsteen